Sock or the like comprising sock structure with biomechanical effects particularly suitable for football. cycling and similar sports

ABSTRACT

A sock includes a foot part and a leg part extending up to below the knee and has, in one or more areas of its surface extension, one or more structural modification elements of a layer of mesh forming the wall of the sock. Those structural modification elements may be printed, for example, screen-printed, intertwined, and/or incorporated in the structure of the mesh, and are configured to respect the functionality of the leg and foot according to biomechanical, circulatory and neurological aspects to harmonize those effects with each other and obtain therapeutic, preventive and performance-enhancing efficacy. Two embodiments are specifically configured for activities that require rapid changes of direction, such as football, rugby, basketball, tennis, or paddle, and for activities that require the transmission of intense thrusts such as cycling or golf.

The invention relates to a sock or to a similar garment comprising

-   -   a foot part and a leg part,     -   the foot part being intended to overlap the foot of a user and         the leg part being intended to overlap at least one part or the         whole part of the leg up to below the knee,     -   said sock being provided in one or more areas of the surface         extension thereof one or more structural modification elements         of at least one layer of knitting which forms the wall of said         sock, which elements are applied and/or incorporated and/or         intertwined on or in the structure of said knitted fabric         forming the sock.

Socks of this type are known in the state of the art. The Japanese document JP2007175465 describes for example a sock with a so-called “taping” effect, i.e. a sock on which at least a strip or an island of material in the form of a layer or leaf is applied, having a predetermined shape, a predetermined extension, a predetermined position with respect to the anatomy of the foot and of the leg when the sock is worn and having predetermined characteristics of elastic deformability, both in relation to extension in one or more directions, and in relation to flexion or bending.

The taping technique involves the application in the form of ribbons or islands of ribbon-like material. This type of tape is known as kinesio tape. Most commonly, kinesio tape is made from tightly woven cotton and nylon fibers. Said tape is applied to the skin in defined points according to the desired physiotherapeutic action by means of glues, for example acrylic glue, resistant to water so that adhesion to the body is guaranteed even in the case of vigorous movements, sweat and immersion. total in water and without irritating the skin.

In the state of the art it is known to provide a sock with one or more compression zones of corresponding zones of the leg and/or of the foot. Document US2017/0354543 describes a garment, and in particular a sock which has one or more zones distributed over its extension aimed at compressing the corresponding leg and/or foot zone. In this exemplary embodiment, the compression zones are formed by islands or bands of material which is superimposed and/or woven and/or incorporated into the knit that forms the sock and which has a different hardness and/or deformability and/or extensibility with respect to the stocking mesh.

In the state of the art it is also known to produce a sock which comprises coupled, woven, braided and/or incorporated anti-slip material, in particular provided on the outer face of the sock material and intended to increase the friction between the sock and the shoe. Such a sock is known from US2005/0144703.

Document WO2017089799A1 discloses a garment, preferably a sock, comprising a grip coating located on both inner and outer surfaces of a sole portion so as to generate in use friction between a wearer's skin and the garment and between the garment and an external contact surface. The grip coating includes a first array of grip elements located on the inner surface of the sole section and a second array of grip elements located on the outer surface. The first and second arrays are arranged relative to each other, and offset so that they do not overlie or overlap each other. The sock further includes a stretchable band located between grip elements located on a front section and heel section of the sole portion. The grip elements are preferably formed of a tacky silicone material. The array od grip elements has an homogeneous distribution and the grip elements have all the same shape. No specific configuration and/or distribution provided between specific anatomical areas of the foot and particularly of the sole which configurations relating to shape and/or distribution pattern of the grip elements is designed in conformity to the biomechanics of the specific area of the foot or particularly of the sole. On the contrary the distribution of identical grip elements is spread in an identical manner over the entire area of the sole, being only interrupted in the median region of the foot at the arch of the foot by the said stretchable band.

A foot covering is alóso disclosed in US2014/0259737. In this embodiment, the foot covering includes a sleeve having a leading end and a trailing end, and the sleeve further having a bottom surface; a band flippably coupled to the sleeve, and having at least one surface of the band with a traction surface, wherein the foot covering has a first structural configuration in which the band and the sleeve are arranged to provide a certain level of traction, and a second configuration in which the band and the sleeve are arranged to provide another level of traction; wherein the band is selectively flappable between the first and second configuration.

Again in this disclosure, the different slip and/or grip elements are not selectively configured for different anatomical areas of the foot. The only differentiations is the possibility of exerting a different level of traction by the foot and not of differentiating the level of traction for each anatomical area of the foot in order to conform to the biomechanics of the foot.

US2019/0330795 discloses a method of for producing a knitted fabric part which is knitted from at least one thread and which in one or a plurality of regions on the knitted fabric external side and/or the knitted fabric internal side is equipped with a coating, wherein, for configuring the coating, a material comprising free-flowing particles is applied in the region to the knitted fabric, said material subsequently being melted or fused by heating, whereupon the material is cooled while forming the coating. Examples of local differentiated coating distributions are disclosed which, however are not linked to any specific biomechanical feature of the foot.

Document WO2020/110017 discloses a sock which is provided with a distribution of grip elements over part of the sock covering the foot sole. No specific distributions related to differentiating the grip effetco locally in different anatomical parts of the foot and particularly of the sole is disclosed, so that the sock does not conform in a specific way to the biomechanics of the foot in relation to the practicising of different actions.

As it appears from the above in all these solutions known to the state of the art, the shape, the dimensions and the mechanical characteristics of the material that forms the support zones, the compression zones and the anti-slip zones, as well as the arrangements and the distributions of these zones along the extension of the sock, it is not made in a way that is harmonized with the biomechanics of the leg and foot and is not aimed at synergistically assisting the movements of the foot that are typically performed in carrying out of a specific activity, but each of these areas performs a specific function without the same being accorded to the function of the other areas in order to satisfy the biodynamic needs of the leg and of the foot. Furthermore, the compressions do not reflect the physiology of venous return, being mild at the level of the midfoot, more intense at the level of the ankle and again slightly lower at the level of the calf. In the invention in question, the midfoot receives more pressure, the ankle is low and the calf increases again. This allows to reduce the lace effect at the ankle level to make good use of the venous pump of the foot and to compress the calf to bring blood to the heart, reflecting the principles of hemodynamics present in the human being.

This configuration of the structural modification elements of the stocking separately for each anatomical part of the musculoskeletal structure without any relationship for the movements typically performed within a specific activity, means that in many cases the effects of the individual structural modification elements operate in contrast between them by reducing or compromising the biomechanical effect on the single element dedicated to the single anatomical detail and also possibly on the set of elements.

Biomechanics is the science that studies human movement and the mechanisms to optimize it, making it not only more pleasant but healthy and free from risk of injury.

The venous return and the general well-being of the body that originates from the function of the foot is primary interest for the biomechanical expert, the lymphatic return is closely linked to the venous return, this is the body's “sweeper”, that is the system that eliminates waste due to our metabolism or those produced by physical exercise as waste or oxidation elements. So, recovery after a workout or a competition starts from the foot but it is also correct to say that health starts with the foot and its function.

The most abused area of the body is certainly that of the lower limbs and in particular our feet, of which we only remember when they are painful. In reality, the foot is much more than a simple anatomical structure that allows locomotion.

In fact, despite appearances, the foot is not limited only to bearing the weight of the body in an upright position. Its vascularization and relative innervation allow it to play an important physiological role, while its osteo-articular structure allows it to adapt to any situation of static or dynamic equilibrium. It can therefore be considered a real organ that actively participates in its functions.

The venous plantar plays an indispensable role in the venous system of the lower limbs. The blood pumped by the heart towards the distal extremities of the body must subsequently rise despite many obstacles: the distance, which cancels the initial pressure effect at the heart level and the gravity which tends to favor stagnation in the vessels farthest from the heart. The venous return is instead favored by the upright position which causes the contraction of the lower limbs, favoring a real massage of the veins. During the march is added the compression of the plantar veins that empty with each step. As evidence of this, the color of the skin becomes white under the support areas of the foot. There is a whole system of communication between the plantar veins and the dorsal veins, which facilitates the venous return from the deep network.

However, since the lower limbs do not benefit from the direct thrust of a pulsating pump like the heart, the venous return is mainly achieved thanks to two structures:

-   -   Lejars venous insole: the dynamic contraction of this structure         favors the action of muscle pump and therefore the return of         blood to the upper districts. However, it is a “bed” of very         small capillaries that contains a small amount of blood, this is         placed in the meso foot.     -   The Triangle of the Vault: an architectural structure, located         in the deepest part of the foot, which contains the most         important deep veins: the internal and external plantar veins.         The squeezing of these veins, with each significant step and         movement, represents the true peripheral heart and the most         important vascular function of the foot, the triangle is the         area of the meso foot and the support of the first and fifth         toes.

The blood returns to the heart by pressure gradient, that is, from where there is more pressure to where there is less. Standing we have a pressure in the Lejart insole of 35 mm of Hg versus 0 mm of Hg of the heart.

Venous return is the retrograde flow that brings blood back to the heart. In resting conditions, the venous return must be equal to the cardiac output, because the cardiovascular system is essentially a closed circuit. Otherwise, the blood would accumulate either in the systemic circulation or in the pulmonary circulation; Although cardiac output and venous return are interdependent, each of them can be adjusted independently. The circulatory system is in fact made up of two circulations (pulmonary and systemic) placed in series between the right ventricle (VD) and the left ventricle (VS). The equilibrium is achieved, in large part, by Frank Starling's law. In hemodynamics, the venous return to the heart from the venous vascular bed, located in the midfoot is determined by a pressure gradient (venous pressure right atrial pressure) and by venous resistance: in fact, a decrease in the right atrial pressure or venous resistance will lead to an increased venous return, except when changes are caused by posture. It could equally well be said that venous return is determined by mean aortic pressure and mean right atrial pressure, divided by systemic vascular resistance. To clarify the somewhat confused picture of the terms used to define venous return, some physiologists correlate it to the more measurable influences of cardiac output, such as pressure and end-diastolic volume which are in turn influenced by the volume status, by the venous capacity, by the ventricular compliance and by the vasodilating therapies.

As it appears from the above, the solutions currently present at the state of the art do not fully satisfy the biomechanical needs of the foot and of the leg as each of these is configured to perform biomechanical functions at a generic level, without considering the specificities of the biomechanical behavior in the execution of specific activities, such as specific sports that involve particular ways of soliciting the foot and the leg.

The invention aims to produce a garment and in particular a sock, which, thanks to relatively simple and easily implemented measures, provides an improved support of all the biomechanical functions linked to the foot and to the leg, allowing, to make garments and in particular socks that favor the biomechanics of the leg and of the foot in specific stress conditions, such as in the execution of specific sports activities.

The above in order, on the one hand, to avoid the negative effects due to an incorrect or intense solicitation of the foot and of the leg, both from the musculoskeletal point of view and from the circulatory and neurological point of view and, on the other hand, to operate in support of all the functions of the foot and of the leg, in particular relating to proprioception, to the optimization of stresses on muscles and tendons and to circulatory and neurological functions and therefore transforming physical activity into a mechanism that generates a beneficial healing activity.

A further object of the present invention is therefore to facilitate these foot movements and their dynamic action from the point of view of walking and the transmission of forces, integrating the foot itself with the shoe relatively to the dynamics of the foot, improving both the transmission of forces, by better guiding the movements of the foot and by solidarizing the foot with the shoe.

The invention solves the said problems with a garment, particularly a sock comprising a foot part and a leg part,

-   -   the foot part being intended to overlap the foot of a user and         the leg part being intended to overlap at least one part or the         whole part of the leg up to below the knee,     -   said sock presenting in one or more areas of the surface         extension thereof one or more structural modification elements         of at least one layer of knitting which forms the wall of said         sock, which elements are applied and/or incorporated and/or         intertwined on or in the structure of said knitted fabric         forming the sock,     -   and in which     -   at least part of the elements for modifying the structure of the         sock consist of one or more layers of material applied to the         wall of the sock which are distributed along different areas of         the sock which areas in a worn condition of the sock are         intended to overlap anatomical parts of the foot with specific         functions during use, which elements have alternatively or         together and in combination with reference to a specific area, a         function of support element of the anatomical part and/or of an         element for increasing the friction between the sock and the         shoe and/or for increasing the friction between the sock and the         foot, in order to stabilize the relative position between the         foot and the shoe during the execution of pushing actions and/or         to support the function of other anatomical parts of the foot in         carrying out the typical movements of the foot.

In particular, said at least part of the structural modification elements are applied in the form of a layer of material having a predetermined extension on the surface of the knitted fabric of the sock and a predetermined position on the surface of the knitted fabric of the sock, the said layer of material having a predetermined thickness corresponding to the mechanical characteristics of the material itself and its function.

In one embodiment, these applied elements and also these elements constituted by different types of weaves of the knit that forms the material of the sock are in the form of localized thickening of the wall of the sock, both due to an overlapping of an element applied to the wall of the material of the sock and in the form of a variation of the weave of the knit of the fabric wall of the sock.

According to an embodiment the structural modification elements which are provided with differently configured distribution patterns and/or differently shaped modifications elements also within one of the said different distributions the said firrently condifued distribution patterns and the said differently shaped structure modification elements being provided at different areas of the foot and the pattern of the distribution and the design of the modification elements is generated correspondingly to the direction of the movement and/or the mechanical action eseecuted by the said area of the foot.

In an embodiment, alternatively or in combination of the above features the different design of the said structural modification elements consists at least in a different thickness of the said elements from other of the said elements at different local areas of the foot, particularly of the sole of the foot, whereby the term thickness refers to the dimension of the said structural modification elements in a direction perpendicular or incident to the surface of the sock.

Thus, according to an embodiment, the element applied to the sock is constituted by an anti-slip element, i.e. an element having increased friction with respect to the textile material of the sock relative to the material of the shoe with which it is in contact, and said element with an anti-slip function extends from the tip of the first toe up along part or the entire first metatarsal, or up to the root of the same.

According to a further embodiment, said element applied to the sock extends into the area of the plantar arch and/or the metatarsal heads and has an anti-slip function.

In an embodiment, which can be provided alternatively or in combination with the previous embodiment, the sock has an element applied in the arch area and consisting of a layer of material with the function of mechanical support of the plantar arch.

A further embodiment which can be provided alternatively or in any combination with the previous embodiments, provides that the sock has an element of thermoplastic material or PVC or silicone applied to the material forming the sock and which extends in the area intended to overlap to the area of the roots of the metatarsal heads.

According to a further embodiment which can be provided alternatively or in any combination with the previous embodiments, the sock has an element applied to the material forming the sock with a circular or spiral shape in the area of the pivot point of the foot which element is intended to have an anti-slip function.

In a further alternative embodiment or that can be provided in combination with one or more any of the previous embodiments, the sock has elements applied to the sock in the area intended to overlap the root of the fifth metatarsal and of the first metatarsal, which elements consist of layers of material having different thicknesses.

Still a further embodiment can provide alternatively or in any combination or sub-combination with one or more of the previous embodiments provides a sock with an element applied in the area of the sock intended to overlap the ankle area, said element constituting a reinforcing element for stabilization of the ankle.

Alternatively or in combination with one or more of the preceding features, the structural modification element consists of a band or a stripe of predetermined thickness and predetermined width (i.e. extension in the lateral-lateral direction of the foot) which extends over the heel part and which optionally extends itself along the leg part in such a way as to overlap the heel of the wearer and at least partially over the calf area and/or the Achilles tendon area.

Alternatively, this structural modification element of the sock has a length such as to overlap the calf region, possibly extending as far as below the knee, optionally without interruption.

In one embodiment, the said extension of the element in correspondence with the calf area is divided into two branches that diverge one from the other towards the corresponding lateral area of the leg.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the two extension branches of said element after the bifurcation extend respectively upwards and in such a way as to follow the conformation of the calf muscles, i.e. in particular so that a branch of the bifurcation is in correspondence of the medial twin muscle and the other branch at the level of the lateral twin muscle.

In an variant embodiment, the part of the leg of the sock is of the type corresponding to that of the so-called “American stocking”, in which the said leg part ends in the initial lower area of the calf, that is the root of the Achilles tendon and does not extend so as to cover the calf itself, in this case, the said thickening element extends along the said leg part of the sock for substantially the entire length of the same, or up to the root of the Achilles tendon.

An embodiment provides that the said element for modifying the wall of the sock, or for thickening the same, is constituted by a continuous band or strip of material having a predetermined width and a predetermined thickness, and which band of material preferably extends without interruption from the anterior end of the vault of the foot, i.e. the extremity towards the metatarsals, up to the opposite end and, in particular, to the ends of the two branches of the bifurcation when the said thickening element extends up to the calf area and along the same.

In one embodiment, this band or strip is made from a layer of material of greater rigidity than the fabric of the sock and such as to generate a support function similar to the so-called kinesiotape.

In the aforesaid case, therefore, the said element for modifying the fabric forming the wall of the sock or for thickening the same extends substantially along the entire arch of the foot, around the heel and beyond, in correspondence with the area of insertion of the Achilles tendon and possibly beyond up to the calf area and, as indicated in one of the previous embodiments, also along the calf itself.

According to an embodiment, the said thickening element is made substantially as described in the previous document PCT/IB2019/060212.

In one embodiment, the thickening element according to the present invention is formed by a band or a strip of material associated with the knitted fabric forming the wall of the sock in the area intended to overlap the anatomical areas previously described, that is, the arch of the foot, i.e. Lejart and/or triangle of the vault, the area of insertion of the Achilles tendon and possibly the area of the calf, the material of which band has a lower extensibility than the extensibility of the remaining part of the fabric forming the wall of the sock.

According to a still further feature, said band or strip is made of plastic material, preferably silicone and especially silicone with memory or other elastically flexible and/or deformable material, preferably provided with shape memory. Other possible materials are made of polyurethane, PVC, or a fabric.

Advantageously, the said band or strip of material that constitutes the modification element of the fabric forming sock wall and/or the thickening element are applied to the outside of the said knitted fabric that forms the wall of the sock.

Still according to one feature, the overall width of the band or strip is between 1 cm and 8 cm, more preferably between 2 cm and 6 cm to ensure correct support and sustaining for the ankle joints and its soft tissues.

Preferably, each support strip has a thickness of at least 50 μm to ensure optimal support, without being too stiff at the same time.

As it will appear in greater detail in the following description, in combination with one or more of the previous embodiments and variants, the knitted fabric forming the wall of the sock can be made of an elasticized fabric and/or being made by various different knitting processes to obtain a compression effect, preferably a graduated compression.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, the fabric can have different types of weaves that modify its thickness and/or stiffness, in particular with reference to its extensibility and shape memory, or to the elastic return force in the condition not subjected to tension of extension.

According to yet another feature, in order to obtain a transpiring effect, the thickening element, or the band or strip of material, can have a perforated or micro-perforated structure that allows correct transpiration. These holes or micro-holes can be provided in the material of the band or strip that forms the thickening element and possibly also in the fabric forming the wall of the sock.

According to still a further embodiment, the sock is of the tubular type and therefore a pre-formed area of the sock corresponding to the heel is missing.

Obviously, in any combination or sub-combination with one or more of the embodiments described here, the sock can also be of the traditional type or provided with a shaping which provides for a housing extension of the heel part, or a part anatomically adapted to the foot and from which a part anatomically adapted to the leg departs at a predetermined angle.

According to a further embodiment, the aforementioned thickening element, or the band or strip that constitutes it, can be provided with at least one lateral extension towards the inner side of the foot and in correspondence with the plantar arch area. A variant embodiment provides that this lateral extension is provided in the median area of the longitudinal extension of the plantar arch.

This extension may have a different or identical thickness to that of the remaining part of the thickening element and/or can also optionally be made of an identical or different material.

In a further embodiment which can be provided in combination with one or more of the previous embodiments and variants, the said thickening element is provided with at least one lateral extension towards the external side of the foot.

A variant embodiment provides that said extension is foreseen to coincide substantially with the root of the fifth metatarsal and/or in a substantially opposite position and possibly substantially aligned along a lateral-lateral axis of the foot.

Thanks to the above features, the sock according to the present invention allows to maximize the localized compression on the Lejart insole and on the triangle of the vault, improving the effect on circulation.

Thanks to its mechanical features, the thickening element also confers an effect similar to that of the so-called “taping” or “elastic therapeutic tape” otherwise also known as Kinesiotape. (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elastic_therapeutic_tap e; https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taping).

In particular, the taping effect gives protection to the plantar aponeurosis and stimulates it upwards, increasing the squeezing effect of the vault itself.

When the aforementioned extension is provided on the internal side of the foot, further support of the plantar arch is generated, while when the aforementioned internal extension of the foot is provided, a support effect is generated on the root of the V metatarsus.

The thickening element at the insertion area of the Achilles tendon has the advantageous function of minimizing the vibrations due to the contact of the foot with the ground.

In an embodiment, related to the sport of football, this guarantees initial protection from the trauma suffered in playing football in the posterior part of the limb in correspondence with the Achilles tendon.

In another embodiment, related to the sport of cycling, the rear thickening that reaches the calf kept under tension by the sock itself massages the tendon and provides proprioceptive information on the movement of the ankle to the cyclist, optimizing the pedaling technique.

In one embodiment related to the sport of cycling, the thickening at the metatarsal heads optimizes the athlete's thrust on the pedal.

As is evident from the foregoing, in combination with one or more of the previous embodiments, the part of fabric which forms the wall of the sock is associated with further elements for modifying the structure of said wall which are distributed according to a predetermined pattern and which have effects differentiated from each other in order to reproduce and therefore support the propeller movement of the foot during running and walking.

The use of this screen-printed technology, in addition to producing thickening, can generate a stabilizing effect of the foot in the shoe, preventing movement within the same.

This principle opens up the possibility of building shoes that are less invasive in lacing as the shoe is kept in place by the technology present in the invention and the subject of this patent application.

Thanks to the aforementioned features according to the different variants that can be provided alternately or in any combination, the sock according to the present invention precisely harmonizes the different conditions for optimizing the biomechanical functions of the foot and of the leg, in especially for those who want to practice sports both at an amateur and professional level. In fact, the aforementioned features favor physical exercise itself, preserving the structures of the body as much as possible.

The sock according to the present invention produces multiple benefits during use in the performance of physical exercise:

Improved localized compression on the LEJART insole resulting in:

-   -   1) better muscle oxygenation and faster recovery;     -   2) less muscle fatigue and pain typical of the effort;     -   3) increase in muscle power;     -   4) better resistance;     -   5) reduction of the risk of injury to muscle fibers;

Non-slip function:

-   -   1) less slipping of the foot in the shoe;     -   2) increase of proprioception with the road surface;     -   3) lower risk of retorts;     -   4) greater awareness of stability;     -   5) better thrust in running and walking;

“Taping” and shimming function:

-   -   1) increased squeezing also in the calf area and greater muscle         oxygenation;     -   2) decrease in vibrations with consequent lower possibility of         inflammation of the Achilles tendon;     -   3) decrease in calf fatigue;     -   4) less chance of falling of the 5th metatarsal, and improvement         of posture during the race;     -   5) protection from vibrations due to contact with the ground and         therefore protection against microtraumas;     -   6) increase of the gripping on the back of the shoe and         therefore increase of the stability during the race;     -   7) unloading of the Achilles tendon with reduction of effort         during running;     -   8) thicknesses of the thickening and anti-slip areas distributed         on the sole of the foot and such as to reproduce the helical         movement of the foot thus favoring the movement of the foot         during the race and thus creating an aid in the executing the         movement and therefore an improvement in performance;

Applications of the thickening elements and/or the anti-slip material by screen printing on the external side of the knitted fabric forming the wall of the sock:

-   -   1) thanks to external applications, no thread or layer of         material extends inside the sock and therefore the possibility         of blistering is reduced;     -   2) thanks to external applications, a lighter sock is generated         with consequent less sweating of the foot, consequently         decreasing the possibility of skin maceration effects;     -   3) the provision of non-slip, silk-screen printed areas on the         back and near the ankle optimizes the grip with the shoe,         preventing the sock from rolling and the consequent loss of         improving functions.

The various thickening elements and the areas of non-slip material are applied as described above and by associating at least one strip, a band or points of material to an area of the external surface of the fabric forming the tubular wall of the sock by molding and/or gluing, application, hot application, screen printing.

Advantageously, the sock can be constructed with any method and with the aid of any device that allows to obtain a substantially tubular body.

In one embodiment, the use of a so-called GREEN fabric is envisaged, that is to protect the environment, for example a fabric obtained from the recycling of bottles.

When seams are provided, such as in the closing area of the toe part of the sock, these are in the form of external seams and, in particular, reinforcing seams for a better durability of the product and above all to avoid creating blisters on the toes.

Still according to a further embodiment which can be provided in any combination with one or more of the preceding features, the fabric forming the wall of the sock can be constituted by a light fabric with lateral openings to improve the escape of sweat.

With reference to the above disclosure, one is allowed to configure a sock in a biodynamically harmonized way with the movements of the foot foreseen for the execution of a specific activity that involves running, sudden and rapid accelerations and sudden and rapid decelerations and sudden and rapid changes of direction with a specific combination of said structural modification elements of part of the fabric forming the wall of the sock. These activities are for example the sport of football and by analogy tennis, basketball, rugby, paddle or other sports that require rapid and sudden changes of direction.

In this embodiment, the sock has, in combination, the following structural modification elements of the fabric forming the wall of the sock:

-   -   an anti-slip modification element with increased grip function         between sock and shoe which element extends up to the first         metatarsal area in order to ensure the optimization of thrust         and acceleration due to the first toe;     -   an element of an anti-slip modification element with increased         grip function between sock and shoe which element extends into         the area of the sole of the foot for protection against the fall         of the plantar arch and of the metatarsal heads;     -   a modification element consisting of a layer applied by screen         printing having a circular or spiral shape centered with the         pivot or rotation point of the foot and of non-slip material to         increase the grip between sock and shoe during the change of         direction;     -   a modification element with the function of generating a plantar         compression;     -   elements of different thickness in the root area of the first         and fifth metatarsal and metatarsal heads which is made up of         material applied by screen printing, the thickness of the two         areas being differentiated so as to favor the helical movement         of the foot;     -   a modification of the weave of the mesh and an element applied         by screen printing to the ankle area to generate a stabilization         and massage function of the same;     -   a thickening element that extends into the area of the Achilles         tendon and/or into the calf area by means of a kinesiotape         effect to support the functionality of the soleus and protect         the tendon;     -   an element applied by screen printing on the back of the sock at         the level of the tibia and/or of the instep provided externally         and/or internally of the wall of the sock and which is made up         of material with an increased coefficient of friction to         increase the grip of the sock relative to the leg and/or in         relation to a shin guard that can be inserted between the leg         and the sock.

As regards the embodiment described above, the following advantages are obtained:

-   -   The non-slip function up to the first metatarsal, and up to the         first finger which is the finger of the thrust and acceleration         allows the holding of the first toe in the shoe and also         prevents the formation of hallux valgus;     -   The anti-slip on the sole of the foot protects the fall of the         plantar arch and metatarsal heads which are the cause of muscle         injuries;     -   the spiral screen printing in the area of the pivot point of the         foot, offers a good grip when the foot rests mainly in this area         in the change of direction;     -   Plantar compression improves and optimizes venous return, and         this not only facilitates the exchange of metabolic waste during         training but also brings more oxygen to the muscles, increasing         performance from a metabolic point of view. Furthermore, this         virtuous aid to venous/arterial circulation is a preventive         factor against fatigue and injuries;     -   silk-screen printing with different thicknesses at the root of         the fifth metatarsal and first metatarsal promotes the         development of the helical movement of the foot and thus         facilitates the physiological movement of the foot during         running;     -   the screen printing at the level of the ankle, stabilizes it and         delicately determines a massage;     -   kinesiotape screen printing stabilizes the calf and the Achilles         tendon during running, avoiding the annoying problems known in         this area. It supports the work of the soleus by preventing         injuries. In case of direct trauma to the tendon it offers         greater protection than any other sock;     -   the dorsal screen printing, (also present on the inside of the         sock at the level of the tibia) stabilizes the athlete's shoe         and any corresponding shin protector on the leg, optimizing         movements and increasing the protective effect of the shin         protector itself. In addition, it protects the tibia from         trauma.

Secondo una variante alternativa la calza secondo la presente invenzione presenta una combinazione di diversi elementi di modificazione e/o inspessimento della parete di tessuto della maglia secondo una o piu delle varianti sopra descritte, le quali sono combinate fra loro in modo da ottimizzare la calza per l'utilizzo nello sport del ciclismo.

According to an alternative variant embodiment, the sock according to the present invention has a combination of different elements for modifying and/or thickening the fabric wall of the knit according to one or more of the variants described above, which are combined with each other so as to optimize the sock for use in the sport of cycling.

In this embodiment, the sock has in combination the following structural modification elements of the sock wall:

-   -   a modification element with an anti-slip or increased grip         function towards the material of the shoe, consisting of a layer         of material with a higher friction coefficient compared to the         knitted fabric forming the wall of the sock and which element         extends over the entire sole of the foot and confers a function         of optimization of the thrust avoiding dissipation of force         transmission due to the slipping between the foot and the shoe;     -   a cushion element of thermoplastic material in the region of the         roots of the metatarsal heads which coincides with the position         of the shoe cleats and which protects said heads and improves         the thrust of the foot on the pedal;     -   a material modification element with an increased coefficient of         friction towards the shoe with respect to the material         coefficient of the knitted fabric forming the wall of the sock,         which element extends into the area of the first metatarsal;     -   a compression element in the meso foot area consisting of a band         of material applied externally to the fabric forming the wall of         the sock;     -   a modification element for arch support applied by screen         printing in the arch area;     -   a thickening element that extends into the area of the Achilles         tendon and/or into the calf area by means of a kinesiotape         effect to support the functionality of the soleus and protect         the tendon;     -   an element applied by screen printing on the back of the sock         which is made up of material with an increased coefficient of         friction to increase the grip of the sock relative to the shoe,         to increase the grip between sock and shoe and optimize the         transmission of thrust.

As regards the embodiment described above, the following advantages are obtained:

-   -   The anti-slip on the entire sole of the foot optimizes thrust,         avoids annoying slipping between foot and shoe, prevents the         cyclist from tightening the shoe too tightly, creating annoying         compressions and paresthesia in the foot;     -   the thermoplastic or PVC and/or silicone support, silk-screen         printed in the thrust area, i.e. in the area of the roots of the         metatarsal heads, which corresponds to the positioning of the         cleats, protects the heads themselves and improves the thrust of         the foot on the pedal. This guarantees an increase in the power         expressed at each pedal stroke;     -   the anti-slip for the optimization of the thrust extended up to         the first metatarsal, plays an important role in the         biomechanics of the thrust even when cycling;     -   the compression, in particular of about 21 mm of Hg in the meso         foot area, allows an improvement of venous return even when         cycling, and therefore a maintenance of a good cardiac output.         Consequently the metabolic system is not forced to raise the         pulse and this allows those who are bradycardic to maintain         their advantages;     -   the screen-printed system at the level of the foot arch for its         support allows the elastic reuse of the structures of the foot         itself in the thrust, improving the expression of power;     -   the tape effect on the heel and Achilles tendon, which continues         into the heel and wraps it up to the calf, also has beneficial         effects in cycling. In fact, in cycling, the use of the ankle in         flexion and extension is very important when pedaling. Our         system works as a proprioceptive means informing the subject of         his movements in this area, moreover the elastic movement of the         system gently massages the area;     -   the anti-slip on the dorsal area of the foot fixes the shoe         dorsally thus optimizing the athlete's expression of strength         and thrust.

From the above, it appears evident, for the two specific embodiments, how the appropriate choice and configuration of the various application areas and of the various types of modification element of the structure of the sock wall generate, when suitably chosen according to biomechanical criteria, a combination of synergistic effects that on the one hand protect the limb itself from stress avoiding damage and on the other hand favor the dynamics of the limb, that is of the foot and the transmission of force through the sock and the shoe, without loss of power. It is evident how the particular combination optimizes all the biodynamic conditions one with the other.

With reference to the above, as regards the materials for the various modification elements, these can consist of any material suitable for the purpose and applicable according to one of the possible variants described below. In particular, thermoplastic materials and/or silicone polymers and/or plastic materials such as PVC or the like can be provided.

Using an application method such as screen printing, the material which constitutes one or more of the modification elements according to one or more of the described embodiments, is preferably a material that can be brought into a liquid phase for its application, thanks to solvents which evaporate, or a material which is liquid or fluid and is destined to solidify by means of photonic energy irradiation, or by means of a material which is brought into the liquid phase by heating and solidifies by cooling.

As an alternative to the printing application method, it is possible to provide applications such as hot lamination or by transfer of a material previously applied to a support.

As for the type of sport to which the socks are dedicated according to the exemplary embodiments described, the list provided is to be considered non-limiting, but the socks according to one or more of the described variants can be used to optimize the biodynamic behavior of the foot also in other sports, including golf.

Furthermore, the inventive teaching allows to verify the biodynamic behavior of the foot in any type of sport and to make a sock adapted to said type of sport according to the principles of the present invention by using the different modification elements described and claimed as elements which can be freely distributed in alternative positions and/or at least partially coincident positions on the knitted fabric forming the wall of the sock.

The invention will be disclosed more clearly in the following description of some non-limiting executive examples illustrated in the attached figures, in which:

The FIGS. 1 and 2 show an exemplary embodiment of a pair of right and left socks and respectively a rear and a front view of the type of socks without heel and configured in a particular way for sports which requests rapid changes of direction.

The FIG. 3 shows a view on a left sock and respectively on the front and rear side of said sock in worn condition.

FIGS. 4 to 7 show with different views the various details of structural modification elements of the knitted fabric wall of the sock according to the previous figures.

The FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 show similarly to FIGS. 1 and 2 a sock according to an embodiment particularly suitable for use in cycling.

FIG. 10 shows the sock according to FIGS. 8 and 9 in a worn condition in a similar way as to FIG. 3 .

FIGS. 11 to 13 show different details of the sock according to FIGS. 8 to 10 .

FIGS. 14 and 15 are anatomical tables of the foot extracted from “Bones of the foot”, Netter illustration from www.netterimages.com. Copyright of Elsevier Inc. and serves only in order to clearly define the anatomy of the foot, the terminology used in the present description and claims.

The two illustrated exemplary embodiments are not to be considered limitative of the protective scope, but show how the inventive concept can be applied in the context of two different specific applications demonstrating the extreme adaptability of the measures and the inventive teaching described and claimed.

By following the same biomechanical principle as in the examples illustrated, it is possible to generate executive variants suitable for use in other specific conditions.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a pair of socks according to the present invention respectively from the side corresponding to the front side of the foot and the leg and from that side corresponding to the rear/lower side of the foot and of the leg and in the unworn condition of the sock.

Without constituting any limitation to the inventive concept, the illustrated socks are of the so-called tubular or heelless type and in FIGS. 1 and 2 they are shown in the flattened condition, i.e. with the rear side and the front side of the sock arranged on the same plane and in contact with each other.

FIG. 1 shows the rear side of the sock, i.e. the one intended to overlap the sole of the foot, the heel and the rear side of the leg, i.e. the area of the Achilles tendon and the calf. FIG. 1 shows the right and left sock in a side-by-side condition.

As is evident on the extension of the wall of the sock made up of the knitted fabric, areas are made which are also highlighted by graphic effects consisting of elements in the shape of stripes or dots or areas with other shapes, which areas are provided with an element of modification of the mechanical characteristics of the knitted wall of the stocking and in which the modification element can be an inserted element, for example applied by various methods in the form of a layer of material superimposed on the knitted fabric of the sock or said element is also constituted by a variation of the type of knitted weave of the corresponding area.

The various elements provided in combination with each other and having different modification functions of the knitted fabric that forms the wall of the sock, as well as the different distributions are shown in greater detail in FIGS. 3 to 7 in which the sock of FIGS. 1 and 2 is shown in the worn condition on a mannequin. In FIGS. 4 to 7 , the various areas are inscribed or highlighted by a rectangular or round frame.

Reference 1 indicates a modification element which coincides with the area of the first metatarsal and extends towards the sole of the foot and which modification element consists of a layer of material having greater friction functionality than the material of the shoe.

According to one characteristic, the said layer is applied to the external surface of the sock, that is, the one facing the shoe.

According to a further feature, the said layer can extend without interruption in the area of the first metatarsal and/or up to the said area of the first metatarsal or it can be distributed in delimited areas if separated from each other, i.e. it can be applied discontinuously on the surface of the knitted fabric forming the wall of the sock, in the area thereof intended to overlap said anatomical area.

An element consisting of a continuous or discontinuous layer of material with increased friction can also be provided coinciding with the part of the sock that is intended to overlap the sole of the foot as indicated with 2 and 3. These elements can be separated from element 1 described above or only one of these elements or both are connected to the element 1 being parts of a single continuous or discontinuous layer of the same material.

According to another feature, the sock according to this embodiment has a modification element which is constituted by a layer of material with a spiral shape which is foreseen to coincide with the so-called pivot point of the foot, i.e. with the pivot point of the foot in the execution of changes of direction. This element is indicated by the reference number 4. At this point the foot exercises a supporting action during changes of direction.

This spiral-shaped element consists of a layer of material with a high coefficient of friction with the shoe to increase the grip between the sock and the shoe.

According to one embodiment, this spiral-shaped material layer is applied by means of a screen printing process.

The example illustrated relates to an embodiment of the sock specifically configured to optimize the biomechanical behavior in the context of an activity that requires frequent and rapid changes of direction, such as in football, tennis, rugby or basketball. or other similar sports.

In relation to the modification elements 1, 2, 3 and 4, these areas are constituted by a material with a high coefficient of friction, preferably applied by means of a screen printing process to the knitted fabric forming the wall of the sock. Said material can be selected, for example, from materials such as rubber, silicone or similar plastics.

According to another feature, the sock has a thickening element in the form of a band or a tape of material, preferably applied by screen printing and indicated with 5, it has a predetermined width and a predetermined thickness, and said band of material preferably extends without interruption from the anterior end of the arch of the foot, i.e. the end towards the metatarsals, up to the opposite end crossing the entire arch of the foot, passing around the heel and in correspondence with the insertion area of the Achilles tendon and reaching beyond the calf area.

In this case, the thickening element according to the present invention is formed by a band or a strip of material associated with the knitted fabric forming the wall of the sock, in the area intended to overlap the anatomical areas previously described, that is, the arch of the foot, or the Lejart insole and/or the triangle of the vault, the area of insertion of the Achilles tendon and possibly the calf, the material of which band has a lower extensibility than the extensibility of the remaining wall of the stocking.

According to a still further features, said band or strip is made of plastic material, preferably silicone and especially silicone with memory or other elastically flexible and/or deformable material, preferably provided with shape memory. Other possible materials are made of polyurethane, PVC, or a fabric.

Still according to one feature, the overall width of the band or strip is between 1 cm and 8 cm, more preferably between 2 cm and 6 cm, to ensure correct support and support for the ankle joints and its soft tissues.

Preferably, each support strip has a thickness of at least 50 μm to ensure optimal support, without being too rigid at the same time.

By way of example and without limitation, the thickness of said band can vary from about one mm to a few tens of microns and is preferably between 30 and 70 micrometers, in particular of about 50 micrometers.

The illustrated sock can be made as already described above using any manufacturing process known or to be developed in the future.

In a non-limiting but preferred way, in the illustrated embodiment the sock is made in the form of a tubular garment, i.e. without a pre-shaping of the heel part in an unworn condition.

According to yet another feature, in order to obtain a transpiring effect, the thickening element, or the band or strip of material, can have a perforated or micro-perforated structure that allows correct transpiration. These holes or micro-holes can be provided in the material of the band or strip that forms the thickening element and possibly also in the fabric forming the wall of the sock.

According to a further embodiment, the aforementioned thickening element or the band or strip that constitutes it, can be provided with at least one lateral extension 51 towards the inner side of the foot and in correspondence with the plantar arch area. A variant embodiment provides that this lateral extension is provided in the median area of the longitudinal extension of the plantar arch.

This extension may have a different or identical thickness to that of the remaining part of the thickening element and/or can also optionally be made of an identical or different material.

In a further embodiment which can be provided in combination with one or more of the previous embodiments and variants, the said thickening element is provided with at least one lateral extension towards the external side of the foot indicated with 52.

A variant embodiment provides that said extension is provided to coincide substantially with the root of the fifth metatarsal and/or in a substantially opposite position and possibly substantially aligned along a lateral-lateral axis of the foot.

Thanks to the above features, the sock according to the present invention allows to maximize the localized compression on the Lejart insole and on the triangle of the vault, improving the effect on circulation.

Thanks to its mechanical features, the thickening element also confers an effect similar to that of the so-called “taping” or “elastic therapeutic tape” otherwise also known as Kinesiotape. (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elastictherapeutictap e; https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taping).

In particular, the taping effect gives protection to the plantar aponeurosis and stimulates it upwards, increasing the squeezing effect of the vault itself.

The aforementioned extension 51 on the inner side of the foot generates further support of the plantar arch, while the aforementioned extension 52 on the inner side of the foot generates a support effect of the V metatarsal root.

The thickening element at the insertion area of the Achilles tendon has the advantageous function of minimizing the vibrations due to the contact of the foot with the ground.

In addition, the modification element through thickening with a kinesiotape effect stabilizes the calf and the Achilles tendon during the race, avoiding the annoying problems known in this area. It supports the work of the soleus by preventing injuries. In case of direct trauma to the tendon, it offers greater protection than any other sock.

It should be noted that the aforementioned elements with different functions and obtained by application by screen printing can overlap each other as appears from the figure since the area of adhesion of the thickening element with kinesiotape function coincides in the area of the plantar arch with a modification element with anti-slip effect which is constituted by the transverse oblique bands.

In addition, the elements described above, 2 and 3, occupy areas side by side at the end of said thickening element 5 in the area of the arch of the foot.

At the area of the fifth metatarsal, and in lateral opposition, i.e. on the opposite side of the foot, a further modification element 6 is provided which has the function of supporting the fifth metatarsal, providing an action to increase the grip towards the shoe and to provide for a localized thickening in the said area of the fifth metatarsal.

In this case, the thickness of the said element 6 is different from that of the element on the opposite side 4 and the said difference is configured to differentiate the thickness at the fifth and first metatarsal from each other, generating an effect of favoring the development of the helical movement of the foot.

According to a further feature, at the ankle area and as shown in greater detail in FIG. 5 , a further element for modifying the dynamic behavior of the sock is provided which is in the form of a layer of screen-printed material, possibly combined with a different intertwining of the knitted fabric of the sock. This element indicated with 7 generates a compression and an elastic action of localized narrowing that stabilizes the ankle and has a massage effect during movement.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 7 , in the front part of the sock intended to overlap the back of the foot and the area of the shin and tibia, the sock has a further modification element which consists of a layer of material with a high coefficient of friction in order to generate an increased grip effect between sock and shoe.

Said element indicated with 8 is applied to areas adjacent to each other and according to a design which introduces discontinuities in said layer of material and which in this embodiment have an inverted V-shaped shape. A further similar element is provided on the back of the foot and is indicated by 9.

Advantageously in the tibial area where the element 8 is provided, this can be applied advantageously also or only on the inner side of the sock, that is, the side of contact with the leg itself and has the function of increasing the grip towards a shin guard.

These shin guards are known in the state of the art and are made of rigid, semi-rigid or compressible material having a predetermined thickness intended to be inserted inside the sock being held in position by the elasticity of the sock itself.

In order to effectively maintain the position during the run, it is advantageous to provide said element 8 on the inner face of the sock, that is the one facing the leg with a material that has an increased friction coefficient compared to the material typically used for shin guards in the different embodiments of the same. These are normally made up of a plastic material that is configured according to a concept of optimization between mechanical resistance to impact and elastic deformability, i.e. flexibility to be able to adapt to the anatomy of the leg.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, in combination with one or more of the preceding characteristics, the sock is formed by a knitted fabric, the weave of which can vary in the areas intended to overlap different anatomical parts of the foot and leg, in order to exert a greater elastic compression or a lower resistance to extensibility or even to present a greater thickness in order to generate a protective cushion effect. The yarn used can be of any type consisting of one or more natural fibers, one or more synthetic fibers and a combination of said natural and synthetic fibers.

In a preferred embodiment, the thread used is of plastic material obtained from the recycling of plastic material.

According to yet another variant embodiment, the modification elements applied to the sock can be configured in a different way with respect to their shape and their distribution so as to vary both the grip effect according to a predetermined direction and/or so as to also calibrate the grip strength between sock and shoe in the different anatomical areas of the foot.

Thus, in some areas the element intended to provide greater grip is formed by parallel and oblique strips and in other areas it can have different shapes such as dots or other distributed as for the strips with different densities and having different sizes.

It appears evident that in the exemplary embodiment, the different modification elements described can be provided to coincide with each other so as to operate at least partially on the same part of the foot or are provided in different areas. In this way, when the elements of different nature and with different biomechanical effect are coincident, their functions are added together in said anatomical zone, when the specific functions of said elements are not coincident with each other they are associated with the different anatomical zones of the foot and optimize the dynamic behavior of these areas of the foot in the execution of the movements of the same.

As is evident, for example in the case of the helical movement of the foot, different areas have different modifying elements of the sock which, however, cooperate synergistically with each other to ensure the optimization of the overall behavior of the foot.

As regards the method of applying the elements to the knitted fabric forming the wall of the sock, it is possible to provide any method of chemical/physical adhesion and/or sewing, preferably by molding and in particular by screen printing on the corresponding area of the material of the knitted fabric that forms the wall of the sock is generally on the outer face of said fabric, that is, the face opposite to that of contact with the foot and the leg. In some cases, such as that relating to the retention of the shin guards in position, the element can be provided on the inner face of the sock, that is, the one facing the leg.

According to a possible variant embodiment, the thickness and/or width of said band 1 can vary along its extension both in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction in order to generate mechanical responses that are diversified by application areas, i.e. overlapping a part of the foot or leg.

According to a still further possible variant, in addition to silicone, it is possible to use one or more of the plastics materials described above and/or combinations, or mixtures thereof.

Still according to possible variant embodiments, the overall width of the band or strip is between 1 cm and 8 cm, more preferably between 2 cm and 6 cm to ensure correct support and support for the ankle joints and its soft tissues.

As already anticipated in the previous description, the combination of the action of the areas of greater thickness, i.e. of the thickening areas of the sock wall obtained by means of the thickening elements constituted by said band, allow to produce different biomechanical, vascular and neurological effects that have both therapeutic efficacy, and preparatory efficacy in preserving the foot and leg against damage from work stress, and a further efficacy to increase and/or optimize the mechanical and/or physiological functions of the foot and leg allowing to obtain better performance.

FIGS. 8 to 13 show a second exemplary embodiment of the sock, in which the combination of the different modification elements of the physical and mechanical characteristics and of the material of the sock are made and distributed on the anatomical areas of the foot in order to assist, support and/or protect the limb, i.e. the foot and also the calf part and the tibial area, during the activity of said limb in the performance of the sport of cycling.

The following description is made with reference to that of the previous embodiment and will highlight the identical features and those of diversification, indicating identical parts or parts having identical function with identical reference numbers as in the description and in the figures of the previous embodiment.

As is evident from the figures, in this embodiment an element for modifying the biomechanical behavior of the sock is provided which consists of a thickening element in the form of a layer of tape of the kinesiotape type. This element is analogous to the element 5 of the previous exemplary embodiment and has, similarly to the previous exemplary embodiment, two lateral enlargements towards the external side and towards the internal side of the foot also indicated here with 51, 52 and having the same functions and the same position as the one described in the previous example.

In particular, said element 5, in this embodiment, is configured with respect to the thickness and type of material in such a way as to exert a compression in the meso foot area.

The configuration of said element 5 in said area is such that in one embodiment the compression is of the order of magnitude of about 15 to 25, preferably of 20 to 22 mm of Hg.

This feature allows an improvement in venous return even on a bicycle, so that a good cardiac output is ensured and consequently the metabolic system is not forced to raise the heartbeat. Therefore, this allows those who are bradycardic to retain their benefits.

In the area of the plantar arch in combination with the said element 5 the silk-screened elements 1 operate which overlap the said element 5, increasing the support of the plantar arch and giving greater grip with the shoe. A well-formed and elastic foot arch allows the elastic reuse of the structures of the foot itself in the thrust, improving the expression of power on the pedals.

Furthermore, the element 5, similarly to what has already been described for the previous example, exerts a tape effect on the heel and on the Achilles tendon, the said layer also extending in the area of the sock destined to overlap the heel and reaching the area of the sock destined to overlap on the calf.

In cycling, the use of the ankle in flexion and extension is very important during pedaling, therefore the combination of the aforementioned elements constitutes a dynamic system that works as a proprioceptive means, informing the subject of his movements in this area. In addition, the elastic movement of the system itself gently massages the area.

Along the sole of the foot and up to the area of the first metatarsal there is the modification element 1 which is made up of non-slip material, or a layer of material that has a high coefficient of friction relative to the shoe. Similarly to what has been described above, said material can consist of a layer of natural or synthetic rubber, silicone or other plastic materials which have a high coefficient of friction.

Again similarly to one or more of the variants described for the said element 1, this partly overlaps the element 5 in the arch area of the foot.

In one embodiment, said element 1 can be applied in the form of a continuous layer or on separate and distributed zones in the desired anatomical region which have a relatively large surface extension.

Alternatively, said element 1 consists of a distribution over a plurality of separate areas covering said application area and which can have any shapes and any density, even variable along the extension of the application area (in this case the plan of the foot and the area of the first metatarsal).

The illustrated embodiment shows a distribution of said element 1 on a series of substantially rectilinear and equidistant strips which are oriented parallel to each other and in an oblique direction with respect to the antero-posterior direction of the foot.

Alternatively or in combination on different adjacent areas of the area of application of the element 1, in at least some areas the said element 1 with a high coefficient of friction can consist of small points of predetermined surface extension whose surface density and/or extension can be variable as shown in the figures.

This configuration allows to obtain biodynamic advantages thanks to the guaranteed grip between sock and shoe which consist in the fact of optimizing the thrust, avoiding the annoying slipping between the foot and the shoe and avoiding the cyclist having to tighten the shoe too much, creating annoying compressions and paresthesias in the foot and supporting and assisting the biomechanical role of the thrust exerted by the first toe which has also proved to be important in the dynamics of the foot relating to cycling.

Differently from the present embodiment, elements 2 and 3 and element 4 are not provided here as the biodynamic stresses and efforts exerted by the foot do not require it.

However, in this executive example, a cushioning and protection element is applied to the sock indicated by 10 which is provided in the area of the sock intended to overlap the area of thrust of the foot on the pedals which coincides with the area of the roots of the metatarsal heads and at the same time coinciding during the wearing of the cycling sock and footwear with the cleats of the system for coupling the shoe to the pedal as envisaged for specific cycling footwear and pedals.

In this case, the modification element with a cushioning and protection effect is made up of a layer of relatively rigid thermoplastic material, but flexible enough to allow a morphological adaptation to the foot.

This element 10 can be applied in any way and is preferably applied by screen printing.

Thanks to this element 10, the area called metatarsal heads is protected and shielded by the means for coupling the shoe to the pedal, allowing a better transmission of the thrust and protecting the foot from direct contact with the rigid part of the shoe.

According to yet another feature, the sock according to this embodiment also has an anti-slip element in the dorsal area. Also in this case this anti-slip element is made up of a layer of material with a high coefficient of friction which guarantees a better grip with the shoe. It can be made according to one or more of the variants previously described for element 1 in relation to the materials and methods of application, as well as in relation to the distribution design on the application area.

In the case of the cycling sock, however, said sock does not need to have shin guards, so that the area of application of said element with a high coefficient of friction is limited to the dorsal area of the foot as shown in the figures and indicated with 9 similarly to the sock of the first executive example.

The functional effect is to further secure the shoe to the sock and therefore to the foot, avoiding having to tighten the shoe too much and improving the ability to transmit the thrust from the foot to the pedal.

According to a further feature that can be provided in both embodiments and in each of the possible embodiments following adaptation to other particular types of podalic activity, the modification elements can present, especially when they consist of continuous layers of material, areas with holes through which the wall of the sock made of the knitted fabric is put in communication with the outside environment, thus allowing for a certain transpiring action also in the areas where said elements are applied.

These openings can vary in shape, size and density of distribution between element and element or between different areas of the same element.

From the foregoing it is evident that the stocking according to the present invention differs substantially from the generic stockings present in the state of the art which apply only some of the principles and measures set out and present in combination in the present invention, since this application is entirely generic and not aimed at obtaining a biomechanical effect harmonized with the effects on circulatory and neurological functions thanks to the provision of a combined and functionally harmonized operation of the said devices.

Furthermore, the two exemplary embodiments clearly show how it is possible to better calibrate the dynamic response of the sock with biodynamic behavior of the foot required for the performance of a specific activity by arranging the various modification elements substantially consisting of elements of thickening and/or protection, elements of material with a support effect of the kinesiotape type, elements for increasing elasticity, elements for increasing friction towards the shoe material and/or inserts such as shin guards or similar to be housed between the sock and the limb and/or elements of differentiated thickening of the areas involved in the execution of specific movements.

In fact, it appears evident that in the two embodiments the elements of modification of the mechanical features of the knitted fabric forming the wall of the sock have pre-established and standardizable functions that are used in a modular way in the different anatomical areas to obtain various dynamic responses of the sock adapted to the biodynamics of the foot movements.

Therefore, with a minimum of different types of elements it is possible to combine support and protection effects with solidarity effects of the sock to the shoe, for example anti-slip effects, with holding effects in position also in relation to rotations and with protection and shielding effects, as well as supportive effects on the muscular and/or skeletal structure and tendons. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A sock comprising: a foot part; and a leg part, the foot part being configured to overlap a foot of a user and the leg part being configured to overlap at least one part or an entire part of the leg up to below a knee, optionally the foot part being closed by a toe part, said sock presenting in one or more areas of a surface extension thereof one or more structural modification elements (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) of at least one layer of knitting which forms a wall of said sock, the one or more structural modification elements are being applied, incorporated, and/or intertwined on or in a structure of said knitting, wherein the structural modification elements (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) consist of one or more layers of material applied to the wall of the sock which are distributed along different areas of the sock configured to overlap anatomical parts of the foot in a worn condition with specific functions during use, and wherein the structural modification elements have alternatively or together and in combination with a specific area, a function of support element of an anatomical part and/or a function of an element for increasing friction between the sock and a shoe and/or between the sock and the foot in order to stabilize a relative position between the foot and the shoe during execution of pushing actions and/or to support a function of other anatomical parts of the foot in carrying out typical movements of the foot.
 2. The sock according to claim 1, wherein the structural modification elements have differently configured distribution patterns and/or are configured as differently shaped modification elements also within one of the different distribution patterns, and wherein the differently shaped structural modification elements are provided at different areas of the foot and the distribution patterns and a design of the modification elements is generated according to a direction of movement and/or a mechanical action executed by an area of the foot.
 3. The sock according to claim 1, wherein different design of the structural modification elements consist at least in a different thickness of some structural modification elements from other structural modification elements at different local areas of the foot, the thickness being a dimension of the structural modification elements in a direction perpendicular or incident to a surface of the sock.
 4. The sock according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the structural modification elements applied to the sock consists of an anti-slip element having increased friction with respect to the knitting of the sock relative to a material of the shoe with which the sock is in contact, and said anti-slip element extends from an end of the first toe up along part or the entire first metatarsus, or up to a root (base) of the first metatarsus.
 5. The sock according to claim 1, wherein one of the structural modification elements (1) applied to the sock extends into an area of the plantar arch and/or of the metatarsal heads and has an anti-slip function.
 6. The sock according to claim 1, further comprising an element (5) modifying a sock structure which is applied in an area of the plantar arch and consisting of a layer of a material with a function of mechanical support of the plantar arch.
 7. The sock according to claim 1, further comprising an element (10) of a thermoplastic material and/or PVC, and/or silicone, applied to a material of the sock, which extends in an overlapping area of roots of the metatarsal heads.
 8. The sock according to claim 1, further comprising an element (4) applied to a material of the sock with a spiral shape in an area of a pivot point of the foot and configured to have an anti-slip function.
 9. The sock according to claim 1, further comprising elements (2, 3; 51, 52) applied to the sock in an area overlapping a root of the fifth metatarsal and of the first metatarsal and made of layers of material having different thicknesses.
 10. The sock according to one or more of the preceding claim 1, further comprising an element (7) applied in an area of the sock configured to overlap an ankle area and constituting a reinforcing element for stabilizing the ankle.
 11. The sock according to claim 1, further comprising a thickening element (5) applied to a heel area and extending along at least an initial part of a calf, said thickening element being constituted by a layer of reinforcing material with kinesiotape effect.
 12. The sock according to claim 11, wherein said thickening element (5) has a length sufficient to overlap a calf part ending below the knee, and wherein said thickening element extends, optionally without interruption, toward the and in an opposite direction up to an arch area of the foot passing around the heel.
 13. The sock according to claim 11, wherein said thickening element (5) consists of a continuous band or strip of material having a predetermined width and a predetermined thickness, said band extending seamlessly from a front end of an arch of the foot up to an opposite end up to a calf area and/or along the calf area, the band or strip being made of a material having a lower extensibility than a extensibility of a remaining wall of the sock.
 14. The sock according to claim 1, wherein the knitting is one or more of: an elasticized fabric and/or a knitting configured to obtain a compression effect; or a knitting having different types of weaves distributed on an extension of the knitting that locally modify thickness and/or stiffness of the knitting, the knitting having extensibility, shape memory, an elastic return force in a condition not subjected to extension tension, or a knitting pattern that generates a breathable effect.
 15. The sock according to claim 13, wherein the one or more structural modification elements (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10), the band or strip of material, and/or a knitted fabric of the sock, have a perforated or micro-perforated structure that allows transpiration.
 16. The sock according to claim 13, wherein the one or more structural modification elements (5), or the band or strip, is provided with at least one lateral extension (51, 52) towards an inner and/or outer side of the foot and in a plantar arch area.
 17. The sock according to claim 1, further comprising additional elements associated to a part of the knitting which forms the wall of the sock in an area of the sole of the foot, the additional elements modifying a structure of said wall and being distributed according to a predetermined pattern, the additional elements having effects differentiated from each other in order to reproduce and support a foot helical movement during running and walking, the additional elements being made alternatively or in combination of one or more of the following elements: at least one thickening element of the wall of the sock corresponding to and coinciding with an area of the fifth metatarsal; at least one non-slip thickening element with a higher friction coefficient than the knitting of the sock to increase a grip with the shoe; or non-slip elements with greater friction than the knitting of the sock in an area of the first metatarsal, between a terminal end of the at least one thickening element coinciding with a plantar arch and phalanges; the at least one thickening element being made with a design being positioned to favor an anti-slip or greater grip action between the sock and the shoe and a helical movement of the foot during running or walking.
 18. The sock according to claim 1, wherein the knitting forming the sock has a different structure in different areas of the sock associated with predetermined anatomical areas of a leg or the foot, the different structure being obtained by applying by printing a material according to different designs, distributions, and densities to obtain an area of greater thickness and/or of greater mechanical resistance to traction, and a greater elastic force of return to a condition not subjected to the traction and/or shock absorbing.
 19. The sock according to claim 1, further comprising, applied to an external face of the knitting of the sock, a combination of elements for modifying mechanical properties of the sock, the combination of elements being provided for harmonizing a dynamic behavior of the sock in relation to biomechanics of the foot during activities that require rapid changes of direction with football, rugby, tennis, basketball, or pickleball, the modification elements being structured like the structural modification elements and consisting of: a first anti-slip modification element with increased grip function between the sock and the shoe, the first anti-slip modification element extending up to a first metatarsal area in order to increase thrust and acceleration due to the first toe; a second anti-slip modification element with increased grip function between the sock and the shoe, the second anti-slip modification element extending into the sole of the foot to protect against a fall of the plantar arch and metatarsal heads; a third modification element consisting of a layer applied by screen printing and having a circular or spiral shape centered with a pivot or rotation point of the foot and made of an anti-slip material to increase grip between the sock and the shoe during a change of direction; a fourth modification element with a function of generating a plantar compression, the fourth modification element—consisting of a tape of material with reduced elasticity compared to an elasticity of a sock material; elements of different thickness in a root area of the first and fifth metatarsal which are made of material applied by screen printing, a thickness of the two root areas being differentiated in order to favor a breech helix; a modification of a weave of the knitting and a fifth element applied by screen printing to the ankle area to generate a stabilization and massage function of the fifth element; a thickening element that extends into the Achilles tendon and/or a calf area with a kinesiotape effect to support a functionality of the soleus and protect a tendon; or a sixth element applied by screen printing on a back of the sock at a level of the tibia and/or an instep provided externally and/or internally by the wall of the sock, the sixth element being made of a material with an increased coefficient of friction to increase the grip of the sock relative to the leg and/or in relation to a shin guard that can be inserted between the leg and the sock, wherein the modification elements are applied to the fabric of the knitting of the sock.
 20. The sock according to claim 1, further comprising, applied to an outer face of the knitting of the sock a combination of modification elements for modifying mechanical properties of the sock, the modification elements being provided for harmonizing a dynamic behavior of the sock relative to biomechanics of the foot during activities that require a transmission of a thrust and include cycling, golf, or pickleball, the modification elements being structured like the structural modification elements and consisting of: a first modification element with an anti-slip or increased grip function towards a material of the shoe, the modification consisting of a layer of material with a higher friction coefficient compared to the knitting of the sock, the first modification element extending over an entire sole of the foot and providing a function of optimization of the thrust avoiding dissipation of force transmission due to slipping between the foot and a shoe; a cushion element of a thermoplastic material, PCV, and/or silicone in an area of roots of metatarsal heads which coincides with a position of the shoe cleats and which protects said heads and improves the thrust of the foot on a pedal; a second modification element with an increased coefficient of friction towards the shoe with respect to a material coefficient of the knitting of the sock, which element extends into the area of the first metatarsal; a compression element in a meso-foot-area consisting of a band of material applied externally to a knitting wall of the sock; a third modification element for an arch support applied by screen printing in an arch area; a thickening element that extends into the Achilles tendon and/or calf area with a kinesiotape effect to support a functionality of the soleus and protect a tendon; or a fourth modification element applied by screen printing on a back of the sock that is made up of a material with an increased coefficient of friction to increase the grip of the sock relative to the shoe so as to increase a transmission of the thrust, wherein the modification elements are applied to a knitting of the sock. 